BOOK THE SECOND.
CHAPTER I.
Note 1, p. 58. Now matter is potentiality, species reality.] A few words may suffice for a further attempt to elucidate these terms. Matter, then, per se, has no definite existence, but with essence it becomes a something in potentiality, and then capable, under genial conditions, of becoming a reality, the specific and individual character of which depends upon form. Matter is said to be comprised in essence, and therefore the distinction between them is hardly discernible, but Aristotle[1], under the term essence, comprises elements (earth, fire, water and air) as well as derivatives from the elements, and that because, while all other bodies are to be considered as dependent upon them, they pre-existed to, and were the origin of all others. In another passage[2] he assumes one universal, primordial, material essence, as the source whence all things which are have proceeded; yet still he admits of a peculiar essence for each genus, as the primal matter of pituita is whatever is sweet or oily,
- ↑ Metaphys. IV 8. I.
- ↑ Ibid. VII. 42.
